NPR

That team won’t be far off and can’t disagree with much. Although no idea why Jaco would deserve a spot

Slick wrote: Thu Oct 08, 2020 5:33 pm That team won’t be far off and can’t disagree with much. Although no idea why Jaco would deserve a spot

Admittedly Jaco had a shocker in his last game against Ospreys, but it would be odd for Scotland not to find a place in the squad for last season's Pro14 Dream Team fly half given the strength in depth for that position in the Scottish game.

robmatic wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 7:18 am

Slick wrote: Thu Oct 08, 2020 5:33 pm That team won’t be far off and can’t disagree with much. Although no idea why Jaco would deserve a spot

Admittedly Jaco had a shocker in his last game against Ospreys, but it would be odd for Scotland not to find a place in the squad for last season's Pro14 Dream Team fly half given the strength in depth for that position in the Scottish game.

Was he really? Must admit I didn't know that. I do tend to be hyper critical of stand offs, having almost been world class myself... but I can honestly only remember one game when I've thought he was decent, most of the rest just bang average.

Slick wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 7:50 am

robmatic wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 7:18 am

Slick wrote: Thu Oct 08, 2020 5:33 pm That team won’t be far off and can’t disagree with much. Although no idea why Jaco would deserve a spot

Admittedly Jaco had a shocker in his last game against Ospreys, but it would be odd for Scotland not to find a place in the squad for last season's Pro14 Dream Team fly half given the strength in depth for that position in the Scottish game.

Was he really? Must admit I didn't know that. I do tend to be hyper critical of stand offs, having almost been world class myself... but I can honestly only remember one game when I've thought he was decent, most of the rest just bang average.

He was, but I don't know what criteria it was judged on, to be fair.

I think he does have weaknesses in his game, but he is the regular starter for one of the better performing teams in the league. He's obviously not in the same class as Finn but after that is Hastings who I think is good behind a dominant pack but not always consistent.

robmatic wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 8:41 am

Slick wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 7:50 am

robmatic wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 7:18 am

Admittedly Jaco had a shocker in his last game against Ospreys, but it would be odd for Scotland not to find a place in the squad for last season's Pro14 Dream Team fly half given the strength in depth for that position in the Scottish game.

Was he really? Must admit I didn't know that. I do tend to be hyper critical of stand offs, having almost been world class myself... but I can honestly only remember one game when I've thought he was decent, most of the rest just bang average.

He was, but I don't know what criteria it was judged on, to be fair.

I think he does have weaknesses in his game, but he is the regular starter for one of the better performing teams in the league. He's obviously not in the same class as Finn but after that is Hastings who I think is good behind a dominant pack but not always consistent.

It's absolutely a depth selection. We need a 3rd choice FH we can trust. It appears Weir isn't that, Chamberlain isn't ready and other possibles (Lang, Heathcote etc.) have largely dropped off the radar.

The Pro14 dreamteam is a bit of a nonsense from what I remember. It's stats based, but I think there is a minimum games requirement of 10 or 15 which tends to rule out many of the top players in the league.

I’ve been a big critic in the past but Weir deserves a chance I reckon. Did he get injured?

Edit: he’s obviously not a long term answer but the other 2 are pretty young and I think it’s fair to award what he’s done, particularly as there is no one else really sticking their hand up

I like Weir but Townsend knows exactly what he is about and clearly, for whatever reason, doesn't fancy him. For me that leaves VdW as the next cab off the rank. Add in the fact that he is currently not tied to us and I think that there is a more compelling case for him than Weir.

When is the squad due to be announced?

Tichtheid wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 1:08 pm When is the squad due to be announced?

We are still working through fly half but should have it to you soon.

Slick wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 1:22 pm

Tichtheid wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 1:08 pm When is the squad due to be announced?

We are still working through fly half but should have it to you soon.

I turn to drink at six, so if I could have it by then, please.

KingBlairhorn wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 12:35 pm I like Weir but Townsend knows exactly what he is about and clearly, for whatever reason, doesn't fancy him. For me that leaves VdW as the next cab off the rank. Add in the fact that he is currently not tied to us and I think that there is a more compelling case for him than Weir.

For me it's odd that Townsend doesn't even consider Weir when he's seemingly playing well down at Worcester. I get that he has a certain style of play that he's aiming for, but surely Weir could slot in well enough.

Tichtheid wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 1:43 pm

Slick wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 1:22 pm

Tichtheid wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 1:08 pm When is the squad due to be announced?

We are still working through fly half but should have it to you soon.

I turn to drink at six, so if I could have it by then, please.

Lightweight.

Beer at four

robmatic wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 1:45 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 12:35 pm I like Weir but Townsend knows exactly what he is about and clearly, for whatever reason, doesn't fancy him. For me that leaves VdW as the next cab off the rank. Add in the fact that he is currently not tied to us and I think that there is a more compelling case for him than Weir.

For me it's odd that Townsend doesn't even consider Weir when he's seemingly playing well down at Worcester. I get that he has a certain style of play that he's aiming for, but surely Weir could slot in well enough.

I dont really think VDW fits that style either

The 150th anniversary of the 1872 cup is approaching, and I was thinking what can we influence the SRU to do for it.

My idea is to do throwback shirts for the games. Assuming we have three of them, First game is in the original colours from 1872, second game the strips from the first year of professionalism, third game either the current kit at the time or a kit of choice e.g. Edinburgh's multicolour vomit New Year strip.

Any thoughts?

This weeks team

Edinburgh: Hoyland, Graham, Bennett, Taylor, Van der Merwe, Van der Walt, Groom; Sutherland, McInally, Nel, Toolis, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Watson, Haining.

Replacements: Willemse, Schoeman, Berghan, Davidson, Kunavula, Nutton, Chamberlain, Johnstone.

Biffer wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 2:25 pm The 150th anniversary of the 1872 cup is approaching, and I was thinking what can we influence the SRU to do for it.

My idea is to do throwback shirts for the games. Assuming we have three of them, First game is in the original colours from 1872, second game the strips from the first year of professionalism, third game either the current kit at the time or a kit of choice e.g. Edinburgh's multicolour vomit New Year strip.

Any thoughts?

Good idea about the throwback shirts, though I think there will only be two fixtures by 2022 when we have the Pro16 in place.

In order to get as big a crowd as possible we could play both fixtures at Murrayfield, it will be a neutral venue by then.

robmatic wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 1:45 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 12:35 pm I like Weir but Townsend knows exactly what he is about and clearly, for whatever reason, doesn't fancy him. For me that leaves VdW as the next cab off the rank. Add in the fact that he is currently not tied to us and I think that there is a more compelling case for him than Weir.

For me it's odd that Townsend doesn't even consider Weir when he's seemingly playing well down at Worcester. I get that he has a certain style of play that he's aiming for, but surely Weir could slot in well enough.

Weir has never let Scotland down, and he’s a kicking stand-off in a way that Finn and Hastings aren’t. I can’t understand why Toony doesn’t pick him as a bench option. I think it must be that there’s one way Toony wants to play, and he doesn’t want to have to change style if there’s an injury.

Yr Alban wrote: Sat Oct 10, 2020 11:42 am

robmatic wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 1:45 pm

KingBlairhorn wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 12:35 pm I like Weir but Townsend knows exactly what he is about and clearly, for whatever reason, doesn't fancy him. For me that leaves VdW as the next cab off the rank. Add in the fact that he is currently not tied to us and I think that there is a more compelling case for him than Weir.

For me it's odd that Townsend doesn't even consider Weir when he's seemingly playing well down at Worcester. I get that he has a certain style of play that he's aiming for, but surely Weir could slot in well enough.

Weir has never let Scotland down, and he’s a kicking stand-off in a way that Finn and Hastings aren’t. I can’t understand why Toony doesn’t pick him as a bench option. I think it must be that there’s one way Toony wants to play, and he doesn’t want to have to change style if there’s an injury.

You'd think it would be nice to have a plan B though.

Yup. I've said that for a while now.

Sam H-C has been good since coming on for Exeter

Tichtheid wrote: Sat Oct 10, 2020 5:16 pm Sam H-C has been good since coming on for Exeter

Yeah, he added a bit of "zip".

Fucking hell Hoyland.

Yuck

Fuck sake Embra. 5 point lead with 6 minutes to go.

Theres a definite mental failing with Scottish teams.

Jock42 wrote: Sat Oct 10, 2020 8:27 pm Theres a definite mental failing with Scottish teams.

Yup, you just knew it was coming

Jock42 wrote: Sat Oct 10, 2020 8:27 pm Theres a definite mental failing with Scottish teams.

And there has been for years. How many big games have our teams thrown away at the death? Even 38-38 was us bottling it - should have been our first win at Twickenham since I was 10.

Question is, what is being done about it?

I'd like TOTM to analyse how often a Scottish team concedes points after a restart

It's a case of developing the mindset to keep your foot on their throat, grind them into the ground and "MAK SICCAR", the game isn't over until you're back in the changing rooms.

The Glasgow game descending into farce here, finishing 14 vs 13 after two late yellow cards for Glasgow and an earlier red for scarlets.

Aye and I'd been wondering how they were going to cock it up from 20 - 0, thankfully harlots couldn't haul it back.

FFS Embra

KingBlairhorn wrote: Thu Oct 08, 2020 3:11 pm My (38 man, 21/17 split) squad would be (assuming all are fit):

Forwards:
Fagerson, Nel, Berghan
Sutherland, Kebble, Bhatti/Rae
Brown, McInally, Turner
Gray (J), Cummings, Gilchrist, Toolis, Hunter-Hill
Crosbie, Ritchie, Watson, Fagerson, Bradbury, Skinner (lock/back-row), Thomson

Backs:
Price, Horne, Sam H-C
Russell, Hastings, Jaco VdW
Harris, Johnson, Taylor, Hutchinson, Jones, Matt Scott
Graham, Duhan, Maitland, Kinghorn
Hogg

I realise he may be injured but if he's fit for one game Tagive is 100% getting a cap.

Blade Thomson was good yesterday but got injured. And he's pushing 30 and not a "test animal" as Eddie Jones would say.

I like neeps wrote: Mon Oct 12, 2020 7:58 am

KingBlairhorn wrote: Thu Oct 08, 2020 3:11 pm My (38 man, 21/17 split) squad would be (assuming all are fit):

Forwards:
Fagerson, Nel, Berghan
Sutherland, Kebble, Bhatti/Rae
Brown, McInally, Turner
Gray (J), Cummings, Gilchrist, Toolis, Hunter-Hill
Crosbie, Ritchie, Watson, Fagerson, Bradbury, Skinner (lock/back-row), Thomson

Backs:
Price, Horne, Sam H-C
Russell, Hastings, Jaco VdW
Harris, Johnson, Taylor, Hutchinson, Jones, Matt Scott
Graham, Duhan, Maitland, Kinghorn
Hogg

I realise he may be injured but if he's fit for one game Tagive is 100% getting a cap.

Blade Thomson was good yesterday but got injured. And he's pushing 30 and not a "test animal" as Eddie Jones would say.

Just to be clear, is the consecus that Tagive is good? I've only seen him a couple of times and he was hilariously crap in one game but looked OK in the other. Not a troll, I really don't know.

Slick wrote: Mon Oct 12, 2020 8:50 am

Just to be clear, is the consecus that Tagive is good? I've only seen him a couple of times and he was hilariously crap in one game but looked OK in the other. Not a troll, I really don't know.

He was good in defence against Edinburgh in August, that's the best I've seen from him. In attack he'd be behind Maitland, vdM, Graham and Kinghorn in my book

Defensively a solid, dependable winger, very good under the high ball which at times can be an issue for the Scottish back-3. In attack - I haven't seen much yet. He doesn't seem to have the dancing feet of a Darcy Graham, he's more of a hold-your-position, finish-the-move type player from what I've seen.

Thanks chaps, wasn't sure if I had completely missed something.

clydecloggie wrote: Mon Oct 12, 2020 9:26 am Defensively a solid, dependable winger, very good under the high ball which at times can be an issue for the Scottish back-3. In attack - I haven't seen much yet. He doesn't seem to have the dancing feet of a Darcy Graham, he's more of a hold-your-position, finish-the-move type player from what I've seen.

Attacked well yesterday and finished his try well Vs Edinburgh.

I don't think he's great but we'll cap him as break glass in case if emergency. See also Van Der Walt, Jaco.

I like neeps wrote: Mon Oct 12, 2020 9:55 am

clydecloggie wrote: Mon Oct 12, 2020 9:26 am Defensively a solid, dependable winger, very good under the high ball which at times can be an issue for the Scottish back-3. In attack - I haven't seen much yet. He doesn't seem to have the dancing feet of a Darcy Graham, he's more of a hold-your-position, finish-the-move type player from what I've seen.

Attacked well yesterday and finished his try well Vs Edinburgh.

I don't think he's great but we'll cap him as break glass in case if emergency. See also Van Der Walt, Jaco.

Fair point on Tagive, I thought he was excellent before being KO'd yesterday. In particular, he was genuinely excellent in the air. I wonder if he played Aussie Rules at any point? I'm not sure who's place he takes though? Darcy and Duhan are match winners, Maitland is Mr Dependable and Kinghorn gives versatility with his ability to play wing and fullback to test standard. It will probably come down to injury.

We've actually got a decent little pool of wingers developing now. Not all match winners but will not disgrace themselves at international level. Behind the 4 I picked there's McGuigan, Steyn and Tagive with a few excellent young players hopefully stepping up to pro level this year too.

Was he not capped during the 6N? Or was he just in the squad?

Yesterday was the best I've seen him but he's not more than a decent squad player and way down the list for Scotland for me.